Mocha Dick: Or the White Whale of the Pacific
Jeremiah N. Reynolds
First appearance of Reynold's account of Mocha Dick, an albino sperm whale off the coast of Chile who bedeviled a generation of whalers for thirty years. Reynold's account, published in The Knickerbocker, served as an inspiration for Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Mocha Dick was known for surviving numerous confrontations with whalers, reputedly over 100 times, before his death in 1838. His unique appearance, immense size, and the dramatic nature of his interactions with humans, including aggressive behavior when attacked, made him a legendary figure among seafarers.
New York: Clark and Edson, 1839. Bound in half calf over cloth boards, five gilt ruled raised bands to spine, black spine labels with titles stamped in gilt. Full run of Volume 13, from January to June; pp. (vi), 554, frontispiece to the beginning of each month. With Mocha Dick appearing on pages 377- 392. Binding remains sturdy and square, light wear and rubbing to cloth boards. Frontispiece tissues a bit worn, a few minor stains, foxing throughout. Scarce.